All news
Mental Health America focuses on recovery during Mental Health Month with "Do More for 1 in 4" theme
May 03, 2011
Mental Health America, a national advocacy group for mental health and mental health services, is marking the month of May, which is Mental Health Month, with a campaign called "Do More for 1 in 4," raising awareness of the fact that one in four American adults live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that those individuals are able to live full and productive lives while recovering from those conditions.
"We want everyone to know that while mental health and substance use conditions are common, they are extremely treatable and individuals go on to recover" from those conditions, said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America, in a media release from Mental Health America.
Dr. Shern went on to say that too many people who are living with a mental health condtion -- perhaps as much as 50 percent -- never seek or receive treatment due to stigma, lack of information, cost, or lack of health insurance coverage.
"We need to change that. It's important that everyone have access to treatment and services because we have a tremendous amount of knowledge about how to identify, treat and even prevent mental health conditions," said Dr. Shern.
During Mental Health Month, Mental Health America also continues its "Live Your Life Well" campaign. According to the Mental Health America website, "Live Your Life Well" helps people focus on ways to maintain good mental health. The campaign offers 10 specific research-based tools that can help combat stress and promote health and well-being. The tools are:
* Connect with others
* Stay positive
* Get physically active
* Help others
* Get enough sleep
* Create joy and satisfaction
* Eat well
* Take care of your spirit
* Deal better with hard times
* Get professional help if you need it
For more information about Mental Health America and the "Do More for 1 in 4" campaign, visit the Mental Health America website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net. There also is a specific site for the "Live Your Life Well" campaign at www.liveyourlifewell.org.
"Community Mental Health Center provides a wide array of services for individuals in need of behavioral health support. Our staff members are well-recognized and well-respected for their caring and compassionate approach in providing state-of-the-art, proven-to-work professional services," said CMHC Executive Director Tom Talbot.
"We can make a significant difference in the lives of the persons we serve, allowing individuals to live independent and fulfilled lives on a daily basis. There is an old saying: 'If only those that reach . . . could touch.' If you are in need of behavioral health care, reach out to us. Together, let's see what a difference we can make in your life. Our services are affordable and responsible, or, to put it another way, the right services for the right individual at the right time," said Mr. Talbot.
"I'm very proud of our staff members and their capacity to make a difference in the lives of the people we help. I believe the positive impact we've had on the individuals and communities we serve will continue far into the future."
